Shivam Dube’s Final Over Cameo Adds Icing to India’s Historic Cake

With India’s total already at a commanding level, Shivam Dube arrived at the crease with two balls remaining in the 19th over and his score at two off two. By the time the last delivery of the final over was bowled, he had reached 26 off eight — a cameo of extraordinary power that added the finishing flourish to an already dominant India innings. The total of 255 that India posted ultimately contributed to a 96-run victory over New Zealand that saw them retain the T20 World Cup.
The main batting contributions came from Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan, who between them scored 193 runs in what was a devastating top-three display. Sharma’s 50 off 18 balls powered the powerplay to a record-equalling 92 for no loss, and Samson’s 89 off 46 gave the innings its backbone. Kishan’s 54 off 25 added further depth to a total that New Zealand’s bowlers had no answer to.
The Black Caps’ bowling was expensive throughout the night. Ferguson, Henry, and Duffy all conceded more than 15 runs in their opening overs, and the required total at the innings break — 256 — was clearly beyond a New Zealand side that had struggled for batting consistency in the latter stages of the tournament. Jimmy Neesham’s bizarre over of one run and three wickets was the statistical highlight of a difficult evening for the visitors.
Bumrah was decisive with the ball, taking three wickets with slow yorkers to ensure New Zealand never threatened the target. The Black Caps ended on 159, a result that confirmed India as comfortable winners and worthy champions. New Zealand extended their painful streak of World Cup final defeats to four since 2015.
India leave this tournament having posted three totals above 250, having scored at will in every phase of the game, and having defended their title in front of their own fans. They are the complete T20 team.